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Oh Deer!

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It's a common dilemma-finding a wild, baby animal without its mother. Many well-meaning citizens want to help, but they are not sure what to do. This is exactly what happens to Brooklyn when she spots a white-tailed fawn in trouble. As a thunderstorm looms in the distance, Brooklyn must decide whether to intervene or allow nature to run its course. Research shows that stories are an effective method for remembering factual information. Through the power of storytelling, this book provides essential information that empowers children to make educated decisions about their interactions with nature's wild animals. Oh Deer! is an entertaining story that children will never forget. Read to see what happens to the young deer in this incredible true story and also learn some fun facts about fawns, including what to do if you spot one alone.

34 pages, Hardcover

Published June 17, 2020

8 people are currently reading
7 people want to read

About the author

Brandi Smeltzer

2 books1 follower

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5 stars
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4 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Sindy Castellanos.
952 reviews83 followers
July 1, 2020
Touching story that explains clearly and with beautiful illustrations, the best way to act in the case to see a fawn alone without its mother.
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Conmovedor cuento que explica claramente y con bellas ilustraciones, la mejor manera de actuar en el caso para encontrar un cervatillo solo sin su madre.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
Author 13 books92 followers
November 20, 2021
A beautiful book which brings together several important themes, including human interaction with wildlife, separation anxiety, and the ever-lasting bond between mothers and children.

With a four-year-old at home, I am always on the lookout for books that can help me teach her about the world and how we should handle various situations. I was so happy to come across this lovely story and let me tell you, it quickly became a favorite in our house.

I am sure this has happened to some of you, you’ve found a baby animal without its mother and you felt the need to do something, even though you were not sure what. In this story, Brooklyn – an adorable girl who is afraid of storms and especially of thunder – spots a white-tailed fawn from her window. I loved how the author presented Brooklyn’s hesitance, making us feel like we were right there in the story. With thunderstorm looming in the distance, the little girl had to make an important decision: should she intervene or allow nature to run its course?

Stories have been used since the ancient of times to help children understand how the world works. And here we have a story that reminds us of how powerful storytelling actually is, a story which teaches children about the proper interaction with wild animals. On the plus side, the story is entertaining and engaging, the kind that children will not forget, but rather want to read, over and over again.

I am sure other young readers will be excited to read this story, curious to find out what happens to the young deer. I loved that it was based on a true story and I found the fun facts about fawns to be the perfect addition to the story. Do you know what to do if you spot a fawn alone? I certainly didn’t, and I was happy to receive useful advice in this area.

This was one interesting read, with an obvious educational value. My daughter was curious to see how the story turns out, and her first instinct was to follow Brooklyn’s desire to help the fawn. She engaged in the story with genuine pleasure and I could see that she loved the charming, colorful illustrations.

As an adult in disguise, as I like to joke, I loved the story just as much. It was so well-written, with an important message about the interaction with wildlife, and bonus fun facts at the end of the book. The language was easy enough for my daughter to understand and she was able to follow the storyline without difficulties. I think this is a good story for early readers, either at home or in the classroom setting. It teaches them about deer and how we should protect them in their natural habitat, taking the right measures to ensure their safety.

I couldn’t help but notice the other important theme approached by the author in her book, the ever-lasting bond between a mother and her child. My daughter and I enjoyed the closeness this story offered, and it being based on a true story only made it even more special. Not only does the book gives young readers a feeling of serenity, but it helps them understand that, in emotional and potentially-dangerous situations, the best thing we can do is take rational decisions.

All in all, the book teaches children they need to show both empathy and concern for animals. At the same time, it offers the important lesson of patience, rather than jumping into a situation that can be dangerous. I enjoyed the parallel between the mother and child, and the deer with her fawn. All beings feel safe near their mothers. The little girl felt safe inside her home with her mother, no longer thinking about the thunderstorm. I think it might also help children who suffer from separation anxiety, helping them understand that mothers are always watching and care for them, even when they are not around.

Profile Image for Stephanie Grayson.
60 reviews4 followers
June 18, 2021
We Need More Books Like This!

We need more books like this! This story shows us why the human approach, driven by kind hearts, is not always the best solution.

Humans have a proclivity for developing emotional connections with animals or at least concern (especially if they’re cute). Many do not realize that their empathy and benevolence is actually intrusive. Altruistic folks don’t realize that human contact can change an animals natural behaviour, health or well-being and this story demonstrates why.

This is an age appropriate story with a good moral. A brilliant addition was the inclusion of fun facts and “what to do if you spot a fawn all alone” at the end of the book. This book is a valuable tool both at home and for the classroom.

I love the illustrations and the facial expressions of our little friend, Brooklyn. The images are simple with charming character. I really like the colour palate and style as well.
Profile Image for Suryanarayana S.V..
Author 11 books5 followers
June 19, 2020
Excellent way to tell story with facts

How to interact with deer is very well explained in this impressive illustrated story book Oh Deer!. My 6 year old grand son loved the story and liked the fun facts given at the end of the book. He quickly grasped the message told by way of a story. I wish Brandi Smeltzer (Author) and Mau Rendón (Illustrator) a great success and present in future this type of eye-caching fun cum factual theme story books.

I recommend parents and grandparents to go grab copy of this book about a baby animal and show to the kids while narrating it. They like it, love it and remember it forever.
Profile Image for ReensReads.
535 reviews7 followers
June 19, 2020
Beautiful, informative and heartwarming

This is a beautiful book that teaches readers about deer and fawns and how we should handle the situation if we spot a lost fawn without its mother. Oftentimes, we think we can help when we may be causing harm than good. This book explains very clearly in language that is easy to understand for young kids within a simple storyline. The illustrations are beautiful too. There are also lots of fun facts at the end that provide more information for readers about deer.
Profile Image for James Roberts.
Author 14 books18 followers
December 11, 2020
This is a very interesting and educational picture book for children. Based on a true story, this book deals with learning and teaching about what to do should you ever find a fawn without its mother deer. The story is engaging and children will want to read this straight through to the end. The illustrations are charming and colorful and compliment the story well. There are changes in font size and color, which will surely keep young eyeballs glued to the pages. A well told story with an important message and as a bonus, a page of "fun facts" at the end of the book.
Profile Image for Denise.
404 reviews38 followers
July 27, 2021
Beautifully written and illustrated book. This story teaches an important lesson, not just to children, but to people of all ages about the importance of protecting wildlife. It does so in a fascinating way that will capture a child's attention and help them learn. It is a sweet and informative story that everyone can benefit from reading. I also love the inclusion of fun facts about deer at the end. All around, this is a wonderful and enjoyable book!
Profile Image for Victoria Smith.
Author 4 books9 followers
August 24, 2021
What a wonderfully written story!

My son and I enjoyed this story immensely! It is based on a true story which makes it even more special. It is a wonderful way for children to learn more about deers and how best to ensure their safety. The writing is brilliantly descriptive and perfect for early readers and young children. It also includes lots of fun facts about deers at the back!
Profile Image for Tasha Haight.
Author 13 books
August 30, 2025
didn’t know about deer!

This was a very enlightening read! It was full of suspense as Brooklyn grew worried over a baby deer that seemed to be without his mom as a storm grew close. But her dad knew the deer’s mom didn’t go far and it would be best for the deer to NOT go help it. The note at the end explaining about deer habits is good information to know especially if you live in a high deer population area like I do. I also like the deer fun fact page as well!
Profile Image for Ann Taylor.
Author 4 books2 followers
June 19, 2020
Lovely heart-warming story

This is a lovely story about a little girl worrying about a baby deer who appears to be lost. It contains important messages for the young reader about trusting the better judgement of their parents & also, at the back fun facts about deers & further information about what to do if you find a baby deer (which is apparently a common occurrence).
Profile Image for Shaneal Leach.
4 reviews
June 19, 2020
Amazing!

Oh Deer! is a wonderful and educational children’s books. Such a sweet story of a baby animal in need and what to do to help. This book is so helpful in learning what to do if you find a fawn or any other baby animal in need. I love the fun facts at the end of the book. A definite must read children’s book!
1 review
June 21, 2020
10/10

Me encantó este libro, recién estoy leyendo libros en inglés así que se me hizo fácil de comprender y las imágenes me ayudaron mucho. Me dejó una buena enseñanza y fue muy lindo ¡muchos éxitos al autor/a!

I liked this book, I started reading in English and I founded this book easy to read and understand with the illustrations. Best wishes to the autor!
Profile Image for Becci Murray.
Author 53 books17 followers
August 25, 2021
Beautifully written and informative

This book addresses a really important issue in a fun and engaging way. My young nephew loved the fact it’s based on a true story and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the lovely illustrations. We also loved the fun facts section towards the back of the book. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Kim Wilch.
Author 6 books80 followers
January 6, 2022
A lovely picture book for children, both interesting and educational. The anticipation built with the coming storm and the change in font size emphasized the excitement. The illustrations are quite wonderful. There's an opportunity to learn even more with the "fun facts" at the end of the book. What do you do when you find a stranded fawn and no mother? Read on to find out!
46 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2020
Oh Deer!

This is a great book! I live in a place where it's common to see deer all the time and honestly I learned a lot from this book. I'm excited to share it with my 5 year old.
Profile Image for Linda.
4 reviews
June 19, 2020
Oh my!

This is a sweet story! It reminds the reader that parents are always there for their children. It also provides good factual information about deer. The illustrations are lovely.
71 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2020
Easy Picture Book Read

The lesson this book teaches about not interfering with nature is very good. The pictures are pleasing and give a feel of serenity that you often have when spotting a deer in your yard.
Profile Image for Matt Herrmann.
Author 1 book1 follower
June 20, 2020
Loved this book!

Great illustrations and heartwarming story (with a good lesson at the end). Would be perfect for any child who loves animals! Also appreciated the fun facts on deer!
Author 4 books2 followers
September 27, 2020
A sweet and informative story

My son really enjoyed reading this. We both learnt a lot about the best practices for when we spot fawns. Brooklyn’s experience helped us really see why it’s important for us all to understand this. A great read!
Profile Image for Holly Mazzochi.
Author 2 books26 followers
August 26, 2021
Oh Deer is a wonderful story that teaches an important lesson of not interfering with wildlife. The vivid illustrations will keep your little ones engaged throughout the entire book! A truly lovely read.
Profile Image for Rita Reed.
Author 3 books29 followers
August 5, 2025
BEAUTIFUL!

A gentle, suspenseful story about a child’s compassion for a baby deer and the power of a mother’s love. With beautiful illustrations and thoughtful wildlife facts at the end, this book is perfect for classroom sharing or a cozy bedtime read.
Profile Image for Rose English.
Author 23 books183 followers
September 1, 2025
Cute little tale about a lost fawn

Poor little creature is lost, trying to find a way home. He believes there is a way if only be were a little older and bigger with the ability to jump the fence. What will the outcome be


8 reviews
September 28, 2020
Princess Jaida

I liked that the book told you what you should or shouldn’t do if you see a fawn. Any age can read this book. I gave this rating because for the information.
1 review
October 31, 2021
Great book for young children that want to know more about deer.
Profile Image for Kellie Waldron.
847 reviews18 followers
March 22, 2026
Deer

Cute little short story about deer and their young and what not to do with the young. Must read to kids.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews